What octane you running with?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
What octane you running with?
I run 87 Reg Unl (Exxon, Shell, Chevron or Texaco) with no problems at all and for that reason I don't see why I should pay the extra to run Mid or Super. I do have a 96 Dodge work truck that I recently had to switch to 89 Plus Unl with though as it was starting to knock on Reg Unl (148k on the clock)
Petrol
99 5.4
Petrol
99 5.4
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: NE JERSEY
What octane you running with?
I don't know I guess it's a pshychological thing.
I figure when buying 89 I'm getting at least 88 octane.
I've read octane ratings could be off a point or two from laying in the tank of stations or other reasons.
So maybe 87 isn't really 87.
If gas prices go way up again I'll go with 87.
I figure when buying 89 I'm getting at least 88 octane.
I've read octane ratings could be off a point or two from laying in the tank of stations or other reasons.
So maybe 87 isn't really 87.
If gas prices go way up again I'll go with 87.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
What octane you running with?
87
I've tried everything from the cheapest 87 to the most expensive 93 and haven't been able to tell one iota of difference around town or on the highway. No mileage differential either.
'00 4x4 5.4L
I've tried everything from the cheapest 87 to the most expensive 93 and haven't been able to tell one iota of difference around town or on the highway. No mileage differential either.
'00 4x4 5.4L
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
What octane you running with?
From 87 pumps, you'll get 87 or better, not 87 or worse. The rating system is the minumum rating. Stations sometimes put the higher octanes in the lower pumps (shortage management) but not the other way around. Fines are huge and testing is random. Putting in a higher octane isn't going to do anything for the truck if it isn't tuned for it (except build up carbon). Car and Driver did dyno tests not long ago of several vehicles using higher octane and the results show a 1-4 HP increase with 93 octane on the Ford (and it was on a Mustang, not a truck). That's not enough to feel nor will it even take a 1/10th off quarter mile times. Figure that 89 is giving maybe 1HP. Basically, its throwing money away unless you advance the timing to take advantage of it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
What octane you running with?
Ken has it alright,if your motor isn't designed/tuned to take advantage of the higher octane rated fuel the net result is wasted cash pure & simple.
I've been in the petroleum industry for 18 yrs., it's fuel qaulity you want. Look for good additive pachages (detergent, etc.)Octane is simply a so called anti-knock index (detonation of fuel prior to ignition by spark) higher octane is typically required by high compression / supercharged motors.
The sorry truth is that many well intentioned owners think they are giving the best to their baby by going to unbranded cheap gas outlets to get Prem Unl at cheap prices when they could easily save $5 or more per 25 gallon fill up (my Expy has 30 gal tank) by getting Reg Unl. Money that could otherwise go toward pizza & beer.
I've been in the petroleum industry for 18 yrs., it's fuel qaulity you want. Look for good additive pachages (detergent, etc.)Octane is simply a so called anti-knock index (detonation of fuel prior to ignition by spark) higher octane is typically required by high compression / supercharged motors.
The sorry truth is that many well intentioned owners think they are giving the best to their baby by going to unbranded cheap gas outlets to get Prem Unl at cheap prices when they could easily save $5 or more per 25 gallon fill up (my Expy has 30 gal tank) by getting Reg Unl. Money that could otherwise go toward pizza & beer.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 974
Likes: 0
What octane you running with?
I run 87 octane, not just because of price, but my engine runs better on it. At the high altitudes of Denver, I notice a little more hesitatation with higher octane. Higher octane should not really give more power, but actually less. The higher octane means that the burn is slower, which in turn reduces the possibility of knocking or pinging. The lower octane gives a faster burn, which results in better combustion of the gas as well as a larger exposion in the cylinder. That should mean more power, but it definitely won't be noticeable (except to your wallet!).
Maybe I am wrong on the power thing, but I agree that there is no benefit of spending the extra money to add more carbon buildup to my engine.
Maybe I am wrong on the power thing, but I agree that there is no benefit of spending the extra money to add more carbon buildup to my engine.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
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From: NE JERSEY
What octane you running with?
Well guys thanks.
Looks like I'll be giving 87 octane a shot.
I've never used 87 before and after reading these replies I think I should and save $$$ as a bonus.
Looks like I'll be giving 87 octane a shot.
I've never used 87 before and after reading these replies I think I should and save $$$ as a bonus.
